ACTING Bromyard captain Bobby Ralph hopes the derby win over Ledbury will be the boost his team needs as they look to stay in Midlands 3 West (South).

Bromyard have been languishing at the foot of the division all season following promotion, but the 28-10 bonus point victory has seen them overtake Old Wheatleyans into 11th place and just four points from safety.

"It was definitely a much needed win and everyone seemed up for it," said Ralph.

"It has been a tough season, but we did have a big injury list, but we're now putting out a more regular side who can compete in this league.

"Hopefully it will give us the confidence to kick us on for the rest of the season."

Bromyard went into the game on the back of a last-gasp defeat at Dunlop and Ralph said the team were confident of beating Ledbury.

"Everyone was disappointed with the Dunlop defeat because we lost thanks to a last minute penalty, but we knew that if we took the performance into the Ledbury game then we could beat them," said Ralph.

"We had a big crowd at home to watch us, with 230 people having a sit-down meal before the game and another 100 or so people watching.

"That helped us and I think we deserved to win.

"Two teams go down and there are three or four down there with us.

"We've got Manor Park away next, so if we beat them we will be out of the relegation zone and drag them into it."

Ledbury are aiming to get promoted from the league, but the defeat sees them nine points adrift of second-placed Shipston-on-Stour.

"It was disappointing to lose, especially as it was a local derby, but we will let Bromyard have their day because they played the conditions well and wanted it more," said Ledbury captain Rob Anscomb.

"Maybe they had a bit more to fight for, but we were still keen to get a victory.

"It was a calm day, but because of the rain that had fallen over the previous week, the pitch was quite boggy and muddy and they adapted to that a lot better.

"But we won't dwell on it, we just need to forget about it and learn from our mistakes.

"But I hope Bromyard stay up because we want to play them again.

"They're a good club with a great set of lads."

A Ralph penalty, as well as tries from Josh Ridley and James Mitchell gave Bromyard an early lead before Ledbury replied with a converted Jock Welch try and a penalty from George Bennion.

But second half tries from Toby Rivers and Alex Parker sealed Bromyard's win.